Chapter 168: 168. Creating a New Supernatural Ability

168. Chapter 168: Creating a New Supernatural Ability

Having connections really is different.

Luo Yao had known the rules of this competition well in advance, so she had no need to rush there early—she could use all that time for cultivation.

This competition had hundreds of thousands of applicants, so some had to be filtered out as unqualified, and among the applicants, the top ten thousand most powerful cultivators needed to be selected.

Of course, disciples of the Ten Great Immortal Sects did not participate in the screening—they advanced directly to the top ten thousand, without occupying slots.

That meant Pingzhou cultivators could face off against the Ten Great Immortal Sects before even reaching the top ten thousand.

A small minority of cultivators were dissatisfied with this rule, but most agreed.

After all, most disciples came from Loose Cultivators or small factions; their resources and strength could not compare to those of the Ten Great Immortal Sects. If they met disciples of the Ten Great Immortal Sects during the screening, they'd be easily eliminated.

Shangguan Jing saw Luo Yao and smiled. "I'm leading our team this time. Sister, if you need any help, just say so."

Those standing inside the grand hall were all core disciples—either the sect master's direct disciples or the direct disciples of the Ten Veins. In short, every disciple here would be the future of Taixu Sect a thousand years from now.

"Resurrection Match?"

During this time, Luo Yao refined the first form of the Qianxue Sword Technique even further.

She had merely changed it to Ice Mirror Technique—just started the modification—but Zi Qianxue had forcibly turned this basic spell into a Supernatural Ability.

And with hundreds of thousands competing, it would take over ten days to complete the screening.

The Taixu Sect master had said nothing just now, clearly intending to give this credit to Shangguan Jing, letting him use the opportunity to build rapport with these disciples.

So, under her master's private tutoring, Luo Yao learned that even basic spells, when used skillfully, could unleash terrifying power.

"This competition, though a one-on-one elimination tournament, also includes a Resurrection Match…"

Though puzzled, they didn't dwell on it—just the thought of battling all the geniuses of Pingzhou made their blood boil.

Normally, Foundation Establishment cultivators would call Shangguan Jing "Senior Uncle," but since Luo Yao was his peer, she only needed to call him "Senior Brother."

That meant if an enemy had an ice mirror in front and behind them, and they attacked the front mirror, their attack would rebound from the rear mirror and strike themselves.

In strength and status, Shangguan Jing was the top among them.

Besides Supernatural Abilities, Luo Yao followed her master's advice: don't reach too far. With her Foundation Establishment Stage Spirit Power, she couldn't sustain many Supernatural Abilities—so she should diligently cultivate basic spells instead.

After giving instructions, Zi Qianxue and the others hurried away, leaving the disciples puzzled.

And spells were created by people—there was no need to be limited to their original forms.

Shangguan Jing clearly knew some inside information, and this event was also a test from Taixu Sect's high leadership, observing how he coordinated these disciples, paving the way for his future leadership of Taixu Sect.

Not only was he exceptionally gifted, but also gentle, kind-hearted, and courteous—yet firm against outsiders. Thus, he was highly valued by Taixu Sect's high leadership.

Ice Mirror Technique wasn't special.

Luo Yao changed it to Ice Mirror Technique.

Luo Yao was somewhat stunned.

Even if a genius emerged among the Loose Cultivators or small factions, information about that cultivator would appear in the Ten Great Immortal Sects the next day.

It contained detailed records: the cultivator's birth, life experiences, personality, cultivation method, and even their Dharma Treasure and spells—all meticulously documented.

Clearly, this was the power of a top-tier faction.

Luo Yao had heard of him—he was the direct disciple of the Taixu Sect master, and effectively the future sect master.

Additionally, Luo Yao could teleport freely within the ice mirrors—wherever an ice mirror existed, she could appear instantly.

The man before Luo Yao, named Shangguan Jing, appeared elegant and amiable, with a warm smile; young in age, yet his cultivation had already reached Golden Core Peak Stage.

Zi Qianxue brought Luo Yao into the Taixu Sect grand hall, where it was filled with men and women—all mostly competitors.

Regardless, this was undoubtedly one of the most powerful spells she had ever seen.

Shouldn't the sect master have delivered a long speech?

…

So Luo Yao created a simple spell based on her imagination—though calling it "creation" was really just imitation.

Similarly, this was also one of the benefits of joining a top-tier faction.

"Senior Brother."

Shangguan Jing suddenly raised his voice to the crowd; everyone immediately fell silent and turned to look at him.

It was given to her by her master—it contained information on Loose Cultivators or small faction members who were noteworthy and might pose a threat to her.

"Fellow junior disciples…"

In a flash, she had created a powerful Supernatural Ability.

Regardless, after this brief interaction, Luo Yao understood why her Grand Master had placed such high hopes on this Senior Brother—his interpersonal skills were truly impeccable.

The total Supernatural Ability still bore the imprint of the first form of the Qianxue Sword Technique.

At least now, when she cast it, she no longer needed long to gather ice-element Spirit Power—she could cast it instantly.

Luo Yao didn't watch the screening matches, nor did she need to—her opponents would still be among the Ten Great Immortal Sects.

Is this what a true expert looks like?

Even though Luo Yao carried the title of the next Heavenly Prodigy after the Snow Immortal, that was merely reputation and talent—her actual strength still couldn't match Shangguan Jing's.

Clearly, this rule had been established only recently.

"You're too kind."

But it was also different.

Luo Yao was deeply astonished.

No wonder the Snow Immortal, who had created her own sword techniques and whose fame echoed across Pingzhou.

A few days after the competition began, Luo Yao received a Jade Slip.

She didn't need to worry at all—her sect had already paved the way for her.

Previously, when they learned the Ten Veins Grand Competition wouldn't be held, they were disappointed—but now, the Ten Veins Grand Competition was nothing compared to the Pingzhou Grand Competition.

Saying this, he took another bead from his Storage Bag. "This is the Phantom Sound Bead—it can resist sonic attacks like the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sect's Lion Roar Skill. It's not very valuable, just a small gift for my junior sister."

After she activates the Ice Mirror Technique, countless ice mirrors appear around her; enemy attacks striking the mirrors are absorbed and then redirected to release from another mirror.

Everyone froze, seemingly unaware of this rule.

"We won't be leading our team this time," said the Taixu Sect's Sect Master, scanning the crowd. "I won't say more—just give your best. Whether you win or lose, there will be rewards."

But under Zi Qianxue's guidance, it's different.

But perhaps he only said that because he didn't want Luo Yao to bear any further burden.

Take the Water Mirror Technique, for example.

Despite all these duties, Zi Qianxue still carved out time to guide Luo Yao—clearly, she cares deeply for Luo Yao.

He said it wasn't valuable, but in truth, it's a decent Dharma Treasure.

"This is Shangguan Jing—you call him Shimei!"

"That's right…" Shangguan Jing quickly explained, "Although you may be defeated on the arena, a defeated cultivator gets one more challenge—if they win it, they can be resurrected…"

Moreover, Zi Qianxue frequently carved out time to guide Luo Yao, since she also needed to investigate the Corpse Demon Sect's conspiracy and the traitors among the orthodox sects, and even assist with the Pingzhou Grand Competition.

Saying this, Shangguan Jing stated his purpose: "I hope all our fellow sect members show restraint when facing each other—this way, defeated disciples still have a chance to enter the Resurrection Match."

If fellow sect members severely injure each other, how can the defeated have any chance to enter the Resurrection Match?

(End of Chapter)